Factors influencing Bachelor of Nursing Science students’ attitude towards clinical exposure

Abstract

Background. Clinical exposure is an important component of the nursing curriculum aimed at engaging student nurses in learning and developing essential skills. Studies on students’ attitude to clinical exposure have been conducted in Nigeria, but none in Delta State.

Objectives. To evaluate student nurses’ attitude to and identify factors that influence their attitude to clinical exposure at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

Methods. A descriptive quantitative design was used to elicit information from a sample of 181 individuals: 31 males and 150 females statistically drawn using a stratified sampling technique from a population of 237 at levels 300, 400 and 500 of study. A post hoc test was done to evaluate student nurses’ attitude to clinical exposure at different levels of study.

Results. Results showed that 88% of respondents had a positive attitude towards clinical exposure. Post hoc tests indicated that attitude towards clinical exposure among 300- and 500-level students was statistically different (p=0.001). Factors such as adequate clinical equipment, adequate supervision and guidance from clinical supervisors, behaviour of staff nurses in the ward and readiness to learn were the most frequently reported factors that influenced their attitude to clinical exposure. Fisher’s exact test showed no association between these factors and respondents’ attitude to clinical exposure (p=0.369).

Conclusion. Students’ attitude to clinical exposure was positive, with average scores higher among 500-level students. Hence, the higher the level of study, the more positive their attitude was towards clinical exposure. Intensive preparation of nursing students before clinical training will help to improve their attitude.